Boris has earned its rabid cult following for their ability to expertly harness music as power. Be it psychedelic metal, colossal drone, blistering punk or distortion-ravaged shoegaze, a Boris song is an exploration of sound as physical mass.

The Japanese trio's classic 2002 album, Heavy Rocks is a landmark of their mastery. So, it's fitting that the group's new album sharing the same title and very similar artwork to that disc, Heavy Rocks (2011) seeks to redefine “heavy” music in a culmination of the band's tireless efforts over the past two decades. This year's Heavy Rocks is beyond heavy, it firmly establishes Boris as a pillar of innovation and integrity in guitar-based music. Heavy Rocks (2011) features guest appearances by Astbury (THE CULT, BXI), Faith Coloccia (MAMIFFER), Aaron Turner (ISIS, MAMIFFER), and longtime Boris collaborator Michio Kurihara.

Boris formed in the early 90s as a four piece just-for-fun endeavor with the sonic template of influences like Melvins and Earth. By the time of its 1996 debut as a trio Absolutego (later released in the US via Southern Lord in 2000), Boris had already hit its stride in creating unique ground-rattling heavy, melodic music. The group, bassist/vocalist Takeshi, guitarist/vocalist Wata and drummer/vocalist Atsuo went on to release nearly 20 studio albums, as well as numerous collaborative albums – including projects with Merzbow, Sunn0, Ian Astbury and Michio Kurihara of Ghost (who also currently tours with the band as second guitarist) – EPs and singles on various labels throughout the world.